Abstract: Pancreatic cystic neoplasm is mainly divided into three types, serous cystic neoplasm (SCN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMN). SCN is mostly benign, rarely malignant, and mostly microcystadenoma. Classic appearance of SCN is honeycomb-like structure. MCN has obvious malignant tendency, mostly larger and separated cyst. The characteristic of IPMN is connection with the pancreatic duct which is usually dilatation. Imaging features of the cyst is the main evidence to identify the type of the cystic tumor. It should also be differentiated from solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) and pseudocyst. All the cystic tumors of pancreas, including those already got a clear diagnosis and small lesion without obvious symptoms or smaller IPMN of branch-type, should be treated with surgery. The majority can get long-term survival with complete tumor resection. Specific surgical approach should be based on tumor location, histological type, the relationship with the main pancreatic duct, the surgeon experience and the systemic situation of the patients.

Key words: pancreas, cystic tumor, serous cystic neoplasm, mucinous cystic neoplasm, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, diagnosis, treatment